Ready for a full day of hardcore fishing action off the coast of Port Orange? This 8-hour private charter puts you right in the thick of Florida's legendary offshore grounds. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room as you hunt for trophy fish. From hard-fighting kingfish to tasty snappers, the variety out here keeps things exciting all day long. Your experienced captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so get ready to put some serious bend in those rods!
This all-day trip is all about options. Your captain will chat with you about what's biting and where the hot spots are. Depending on conditions, you might run nearshore to target cobia and redfish, or push further out for a shot at mahi mahi and wahoo. Everything you need is included - rods, reels, bait, ice, and even your fishing licenses. The crew will show you the ropes if you're new to offshore fishing, or let you do your thing if you're an old salt. At the end of the day, they'll clean up to 5 fish per person at no extra charge. It's a sweet deal for a full day on the water.
Offshore fishing is a game of variety, and you'll likely use a mix of methods throughout the day. For bottom fish like snapper and grouper, you'll drop baits straight down and feel for that telltale thump. When targeting pelagics like mahi or kingfish, trolling is often the name of the game. You'll drag lines behind the boat, sometimes with live bait, to entice those speedy predators. The crew might also set up a drift, letting you work jigs or live baits at different depths. Keep an eye out for birds or floating debris - that's often where the big boys are hanging out. Your captain will read the conditions and adjust tactics to put you on the fish.
The waters off Port Orange are home to some real bruisers. Kingfish are a local favorite, known for blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Cobia are another hard-fighting target - these curious fish sometimes shadow the boat, giving you a shot at sight-casting. If you're lucky enough to hook into a big shark, hold on tight! Even smaller species like mutton snapper put up a great fight and make for excellent table fare. Your crew knows how to target what's in season, maximizing your chances at a cooler full of fish and some epic battles along the way.
Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish): These colorful speedsters are a blast to catch and even better to eat. Mahi are known for their acrobatic jumps and lightning-fast runs. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, be ready for more! Look for them around floating debris or weedlines. Peak season is typically late spring through summer, but you can find them year-round in Florida's warm waters. A 15-20 pounder is a nice catch, but they can grow much larger.
Cobia: Often called "crabeater" or "ling", cobia are curious fish that sometimes follow the boat. They're strong fighters that can grow over 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. Cobia love structure, so your captain might target them around buoys, wrecks, or even sea turtles. These brown torpedoes are known for powerful initial runs and stubborn fights near the boat. Their firm, white flesh is prized by anglers and chefs alike.
Red Snapper: A Gulf of Mexico icon, red snapper are highly sought after for both their fight and flavor. They typically hang around reefs and wrecks in depths of 60-300 feet. Red snapper are known for their strong initial run towards the bottom - many a angler has lost the battle in those first few seconds. The season for these ruby-red beauties is tightly regulated, so check with your captain about current rules. A 10-pounder is considered a good catch, but they can grow much larger.
Mutton Snapper: Often overshadowed by their red cousins, mutton snapper are a prized catch in their own right. These wily fish are known for their cautious nature and strong fights. Muttons typically hang around coral reefs and rocky bottoms. They're suckers for live bait, but can be caught on artificials too. The pinkish-red color and trademark black spot make them easy to identify. Muttons average 5-15 pounds but can reach over 30 pounds. Their sweet, firm flesh makes them a favorite for the dinner table.
Northern Kingfish (Kingfish): Not to be confused with the larger king mackerel, these smaller cousins are fun light-tackle targets. Northern kingfish, also called "whiting", typically hang out in the surf zone and nearshore waters. They're bottom feeders that love sand fleas and shrimp. While not as glamorous as some offshore species, kingfish are great eating and put up a decent fight for their size. Most run 1-2 pounds, with anything over 3 pounds considered a trophy. They're a great target when conditions keep you closer to shore.
An offshore adventure out of Port Orange is hard to beat. You've got the chance to tangle with some real bruisers, fill the cooler with tasty fillets, and soak in that Florida sunshine. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying offshore fishing for the first time, this full-day trip offers something for everyone. The crew at Gambler Fishing Charters knows these waters inside and out, so you're in good hands. Remember, peak seasons book up fast, especially for weekend trips. If you're ready to make some fishing memories, don't wait to reserve your spot. Get in touch with the charter office, pick your date, and start dreaming of bent rods and screaming reels. The big ones are out there waiting - time to go find 'em!
Cobia are one of the hardest-fighting fish you'll find in our waters. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks and reefs in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer are best as cobia migrate along the coast. They're fun to sight fish for, cruising just under the surface. Cobia put up a stubborn battle, often making long runs. The meat is excellent - firm and white with a mild flavor. To target them, use heavy jigs or live bait like eels or pinfish. A good trick is to chum and wait for cobia to show up in your slick. Be ready for a fight when you hook one - these fish don't give up easily.
Mahi Mahi are a blast to catch offshore. These colorful fish average 15-30 pounds but can reach over 80. You'll find them near floating debris and weed lines, usually in depths of 30-100 feet. Summer and early fall are prime time, when water temps warm up. Mahi put on an acrobatic show when hooked, leaping and changing colors. They're also excellent eating fish with a mild, sweet flavor. To land one, try trolling with ballyhoo or squid near the surface - mahi love to chase flying fish. A local trick is to look for frigate birds working an area, as they often lead you right to the fish. Once you hook up, keep the boat moving to attract more mahi to the commotion.
Mutton snapper are smart, wary fish that put up a great fight. They average 5-15 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll find them around reefs and rocky areas in 30-180 feet of water. Spring and early summer are best as they gather to spawn. Muttons are known for their initial burst of speed when hooked, then a dogged battle all the way up. The meat is excellent - firm and sweet. To catch them, use light tackle and natural baits like squid or small live fish. A good trick is to chum heavily and let your bait drift naturally in the slick. Muttons are line-shy, so use fluorocarbon leaders. When you hook one, get it away from the bottom fast to avoid break-offs.
Northern kingfish are small but scrappy fighters found in the surf zone. Most run 10-14 inches and under 2 pounds. Look for them along sandy beaches and near piers in water less than 30 feet deep. Late summer and early fall are prime time as they feed heavily before winter. Kingfish put up a good tussle on light tackle, darting and diving. They're also tasty eating with a mild, sweet flavor. To catch them, use small hooks and bits of clam, bloodworm, or squid for bait. Fish right in the wash where waves are breaking on the beach. A local tip is to look for depressions or cuts in the sandbars where kingfish like to hide and ambush prey.
Red snapper are prized for both their fight and their flavor. Most run 5-15 pounds, but they can reach over 30. You'll find them near rocky bottoms and reefs in 60-300 feet of water. Summer is peak season when they're spawning. Snapper put up a strong initial run, then dig in and try to break you off in the structure. The meat is sweet and flaky - some of the best eating in the Gulf. To catch them, use heavy tackle and drop baits like squid or cut fish to the bottom. A local tip is to use a fish finder rig with a long leader to keep your bait off the bottom and away from snags. Once you hook up, crank hard to get them away from the structure.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 24
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 375